Five things about Ukraine today

• Ukraine's anti-government protesters are holding out in Independence Square after the bloodiest day and night since the former Soviet republic won its freedom.

• At least 26 people have been killed, including one journalist and 10 police officers, says the Health Ministry.

• European Union leaders say they are urgently preparing targeted sanctions against those responsible for the crackdown. France's President Francois Hollande called the violence against protesters "unspeakable, unacceptable, intolerable."

• Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych warned his opponents that he will use more force against them for their attempt to "seize power" by means of "arson and murder."